NEWS

October 28, 2008

Sumner County Executive Questionnaire

      1.       What new ordinances would you recommend/support to reduce the stray animal population and euthanasia rate in Sumner County?

Anthony Holt:  While there is sadly no one perfect answer to pet over population, my hope would be to go at the situation from several different angles:

1.       More effort needs to be made to check and insure that all animals are vaccinated and tagged.

2.       Like the city of Gallatin, I believe that roadside giveaways and sales should be stopped.

3.       I am also interested in creating a county-wide tagging initiative with the local vets that would not only help keep animals tagged, but raise funds for a new animal facility as well as other projects.

4.       The schools need to be encouraged to have programs about responsible pet ownership.

5.       Finally, I want to create a low-cost spay/neuter program.

Kenny Pierpaoli:  I am in support of an ordinance prohibiting roadside sales/give-aways of animals, as I believe that encourages people to take on pets that they may not be prepared to care for.  I support increased education that encourages ID tags and spaying and neutering.  I believe that differential licensing is a good longer term goal that would take a great deal of education in Sumner County – however, an alternative may be differential fining where owners of spayed/neutered pets that are picked up or found running loose are fined lower than those whose pets are not.  I would also support licensing for unaltered dogs and cats.  Sumner County has a long way to go in controlling the animal population and it begins with education and responsible pet ownership.  I am also in favor of licensing people who breed dogs for resale.

      2.       Unaltered and/or tethered canines have been shown to be much more likely to bite.  What do you feel is the best method of promoting responsible pet ownership?

Anthony Holt:  Education in the schools and community needs to be created and encouraged.  Sadly, many people might not know the dangers of not having a dog spayed or neutered or that as pack animals, dogs need companionship.  I also hope to work to stop the 24/7 chaining of animals and to reward responsible pet practices.

Kenny Pierpaoli:  Again, education is key – and difficult.  We must enforce existing laws and hold pet owners responsible when their pets roam.  We must continue to encourage spaying and neutering and work to provide assistance so that more animals may be served.  Personally, I think that keeping a dog tethered is inhumane.  However, people will continue to do it.  Maybe a forced education class for people who have animals who bite would be a possibility.

      3.        What is your plan to acquire funding for a new county animal facility and to provide increased animals services to the community such as low-income spay/neuter services and educational outreach?

Anthony Holt:  Not only am I interested in the annual dog registration fee, I hope to encourage fund-raisers and seek grants from across the country to improve our animal control facilities.

Kenny Pierpaoli:  I support letting a non-profit oversee animal services in cooperation with law enforcement.  I know that we need a better facility and the county has a responsibility to fund that.  The county also has a responsibility to provide assistance to non-profits that can offer low-cost spaying and neutering services.  With better management of the facility and the animal control service, better education of the community and enforcement of existing laws we can have a far better animal control environment in Sumner County.  With proper control and planning, I think our budget can adequately care for the animals of our county.  I hope that we can seek some alternative sources so that one day we might have a model facility and program for our animals.

      4.       What plans do you have to strengthen animal cruelty laws and promote strong enforcement of those laws? 

Anthony Holt:  Studies show us again and again that serial killers, domestic abusers and even drug users will hurt animals.  The Sheriff heading animal control is the first step.  In the past, evidence was lost because a person not familiar with criminal investigation was first on the scene.  Now, the people who will make the criminal cases will be the one to be there.  Not only can the sheriff stop the early animal abuse issues, but detect other crimes too.

Kenny Pierpaoli:  As county executive, I would always support strong enforcement of animal cruelty laws.  The state of TN has strong aggravated animal cruelty laws I place; I’m not sure that the current cruelty laws are sufficient in some instances.  To me, there are instances where the ‘cruelty’ statutes should have more severe consequences than a misdemeanor charge.

      5.       Do you have any family pets?  If so, please tell us about them and if they are spayed or neutered.

Anthony Holt:  I have a dog and a cat.  Yes, both are fixed.  Both were homeless and we took them into our home.  Now they are members of the family.

Kenny Pierpaoli:  I have three dogs, 1 cat, 1 goat and 8 horses.  My outdoor dog and my cat are spayed, my indoor dogs are not altered.  They are older dogs who do not go outside unattended and have never had puppies.  My male horses are also neutered.

      6.        Are there any additional ideas you would like to share with us or comments you would like to make regarding the state of animals care in Sumner County?

Anthony Holt:  I want to encourage our work with the volunteer animal organizations.  United we can create a better place for animals and humans alike.

Kenny Pierpaoli:  I do not like the negative attention that poor animal care has brought to our county.  Our county can and should do better for our animals and I am committed to seeing that it does.

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Tennessee State Senate/Representative Questionnaire

1.        During the summer of 2008, a record number of animals were seized from TN Puppy Mills.  These mass commercial breeding facilities are hiding in our own ‘backyards’.  This is not just the humane issue of companion animals being used as production units.  It is a multifaceted issue involving consumer protection, tax evasion and other fraudulent business practices.  In the upcoming 2009 general session, would you support a bill to strengthen regulations, inspections and potential licensing of Puppy Mills? (The previous bills introduced were TN H.B. 2914 & S.B.3147).  Yes__  No__  Unsure__

Diane Black: Yes

Jim Hawkins: Yes, I have written published columns about puppy mills and law violations

Debra Maggart:  Yes

Andy Allman: Yes, I strongly support such legislation

Mike McDonald: Yes

If you support strengthening the laws regarding Puppy Mills, would you be interested in sponsoring or co- sponsoring the bill?  Yes__ No__ Unsure__

Diane Black: Yes, It’s my bill

Jim Hawkins: Yes

Debra Maggart: Yes

Andy Allman: Unsure, I would need to carefully review any bill before deciding to sponsor or co-sponsor it

Mike McDonald: Yes, co-sponsor

      2.        During the 2008 TN Gen. Session, the felony cockfighting bill (TN S.B. 1734 & H.B. 2143) historically made it through more committees than ever before....TN is one of only 13 states that maintains weak misdemeanor penalties.  Will you support increasing the penalty for cockfighting in TN to ensure that our state does not become a safe haven for cockfighters and the overabundance of illegal activity that accompanies this illicit activity?  Yes__  No__ Unsure__

Diane Black: Yes

Jim Hawkins: Yes

Debra Maggart: Yes

Andy Allman: Yes, this must end and must be a felony

Mike McDonald: Yes 

If you support making cockfighting a felony, would you be interested in sponsoring or co-sponsoring the bill?  Yes___ No__ Unsure__

Diane Black:  Yes

Jim Hawkins: Yes

Debra Maggart: Yes

Andy Allman: Unsure, I would need to carefully review any bill before deciding to sponsor or co-sponsor it

Mike McDonald: Yes, co-sponsor

 3.       May 19, 2008, the Comptrollers Office of the Treasury issued a report (http://www.comptroller1.state.tn.us/repository/RE/AnimalShelters2008.pdf), outlining the lack of guidance and state-level standards for animal shelters across the state.  Will you support a bill that would require animal shelters to follow minimum guidelines?  Yes__ No__ Unsure__

Diane Black: Yes

Jim Hawkins: Yes

Debra Maggart: Yes

Andy Allman: Yes

Mike McDonald: Yes

If you support implementing animal shelter guidelines, would you be interested in sponsoring or co-sponsoring the bill?  Yes__ No__ Unsure__

Diane Black:  Yes

Jim Hawkins:  Yes

Debra Maggart: Yes

Andy Allman:  Unsure, I would need to carefully review any bill before deciding to sponsor or co-sponsor it

Mike McDonald: Yes, co-sponsor

 4.       Currently, only 40% of the funds generated by the sale of the animal friendly license plate actually go toward spay/neuter grants for the TN Spay/Neuter Fund.  Other special interest license plate programs have a greater contribution to the respective fund.  Would support the reallocation of actual monies to the Spay/Neuter Fund?  Yes__ No__ Unsure__

Diane Black:  Yes

Jim Hawkins: Yes

Debra Maggart: Yes

Andy Allman: Unsure, I would need to know where the additional money is currently allocated and the rationale behind the original legislation before I decided for sure.  I do support funding for spay/neuter grants.

Mike McDonald: Yes

If you support the reallocation of funds, would you be interested in sponsoring or co-sponsoring the bill?

Diane Black: Yes

Jim Hawkins: Yes

Debra Maggart: Yes

Andy Allman: Unsure, I would need to carefully review any bill before deciding to sponsor or co-sponsor it

Mike McDonald: Yes, co-sponsor

 

      5.     Drawing the connection of animal cruelty to other violent crimes, how would you implement a plan to enforce and strengthen our current anti-cruelty laws?  How would you address the lack of funding to enforce these laws? 

Jim Hawkins: “I would recommend having a confidential animal abuse hotline for TN residents.  That system would refer calls to local law enforcement for investigation and response.  Fine for violations of anti-cruelty laws would be paid over to a special state treasurer’s fund, to be used to operate the hotline system”

Debra Maggart: “When we return to the General Assembly, we will face a tremendous challenge of balancing our budget.  I have talked with other legislators about putting together a study committee to address all of these issues and more regarding animal control and animal cruelty.  I hope to be appointed to this committee so we can put together sound policy regarding these issues in TN.  This approach would allow this organization and local government officials and others to testify to the committee to help us go forward”

Andy Allman: “This is a matter of both economics and education.  Reducing animal cruelty helps reduce crimes against people, thus reducing costs to society.  Certainly the penalties for animal cruelty need to be increased and the monies raised by doing this can go to awareness and education campaigns”

Mike McDonald:  “Due to the national economy, Tennessee’s revenue is substantially below projections.  Funding will be a huge problem”

August 24, 2008

Animal Control Update

August 18, 2008

Highlights from County Commission Meeting

The Commission voted to fund the Sheriff's budget which includes animal control. The sheriff 's department is set to take over the operations of animal control in November.

May 2, 2008

Meeting with Sheriff Barker

In Attendance: Cathy Nicholas, Lyn Corlew, Laura Meadows (Sumner County Humane Voters)

 Overview of the meeting:

1. Interim Supervisory Position
2. Shelter Director/Manager
3. Sheriff’s Dept employees screened for compassion toward animals
4. Inmates & volunteers
5. New AC facility and funds to build
6. Spay/neuter policies
7. Euthanasia
8. Overall management of Animal Control

SCHV Questions:

1. Can interim oversight start right away since the animals are not currently being well cared for?

No, Sheriff Barker does not plan to take over Animal Control until November 2008. Until then, AC is still under the supervision of the County Executive.  
 
2. Is the plan to appoint a current employee of the department as Shelter manager? Has anyone in the department expressed a great love of animals and interest in receiving training as a shelter manager?  If not, is it possible that the shelter manager could be hired from outside the department as a civilian employee (or even a civil service employee... not an officer). Officers need to be fulfilling his/her duties as a law enforcement officer not “doing their job” at AC.  

There are 5 sheriff’s department employees who will be transferred to AC. All 5 of the employees have asked to be transferred. Mike McLerran, a sergeant in November, will be appointed supervisor or shelter manager and will oversee AC operations.  Mike will be a working sergeant and will also directly supervise the other employees and trustees.
 
3. Will the ACOs also be screened for love of and compassion toward animals? 

All 5 of the employees have asked to be transferred. The new AC officers will be attending NACA training next week.  Additionally, all 5 of the officers will shadow other local facilities such as Nashville Humane, etc. to obtain hands-on training from other reputable officers.  The Sheriff’s Department employees transferring to AC in November are Tammy Weatherford, Sean Ryan, John Williams, and Joseph Brew. 

 4a. How do you envision utilizing the volunteer organizations in the community?  How can they/we be of help?

Volunteers will be greatly appreciated at the shelter with various roles including, but not limited to, socializing, walking and spending time with the animals. Ideally, it would be nice to have a routine volunteer schedule. Sheriff Barker envisions working directly with the rescue groups to identify adoptable dogs and cats. He hopes to build a support network with other rescuers to keep adoptable dogs/cats out of the pound.  Adoptable pets will potentially go to the adoption/rescue groups as soon as they are available.  

4b. Will trustees used in the facility be screened carefully for the ability and desire to handle animals? 

Trustees will be screened before being placed at AC. Sex offenders and certain other violent offenders are not allowed to work at AC. Unlike the most recent past, trustees will be directly supervised once the Sheriff’s Dept takes control.  Again, there will be the sergeant, other officers, an animal-loving clerical/office employee and volunteers to ensure the trustees are humanely and appropriately caring for the animals.  They will be given the rules for their duties at AC. And, they will be trained by AC staff not other trustees.
 
5. Do you have any idea where you want a new facility and have there been any discussions to date regarding this?  Who will be paying for this facility?  

The Sheriff is looking for a more ideal location for animal control. He hopes to find a location that will be easily accessible within the county.  He envisions an up to date comprehensive facility with an adoption area, proper kennels for disease containment,  proper drainage, slopes, general vet area, stalls/area for large animals, etc.                                                                                                                    

It will be a fundraising task to pay for the new facility.  He stated, “This is a great opportunity for Sumner County.”

6. Mandatory S/N must be part of AC and our community in general. 

 Sheriff Barker is a supporter of S/N initiatives. We discussed the potential of differing impound fees for altered vs. unaltered animals to potentially encourage S/N of claimed animals.  Additionally, all animals adopted from AC will be spayed/neutered before going home with their adopter.  

7. Recommend Euthanasia duties to be returned to a qualified euthanasia tech. Recommend to use a civilian ET who wants to alleviate suffering not just do their job. There are several in the community who would probably be willing to step in to fill the gap either temporarily until shelter employees can become competent in humane euthanasia techniques, or permanently.  There is no need to continue wasting this amount of money to pay a vet who doesn't want the animals fed the day before euthanization.  All veterinary monies should be reserved for treatment of sick and injured animals.  These animals should be seen by reputable vets in our own community.

He is willing to allow a civilian Euthanasia Tech to assume the task of euthanasia to potentially save funds for other veterinary care or spay/neuter initiatives. He understands the importance of having a trained, experienced ET (who wants to be there) to humanely & compassionately euthanize these poor animals.

 
7. Management of AC

• Up to date record keeping (recommend purchase of AC database software)
• Some screening tools need to be put in place for adoptions, particularly for breeds at high risk of abuse. Recommend use of an adoption application.
• Mandatory S/N
• Euthanasia tech
• Proper Cleaning
• Feeding (apply for food grant ie, Nutro, Pedigree)
• Grooming and socializing (volunteers)
• Connect with rescue groups for adoptable dogs/cats
• Implement differential licensing (generates more funds for AC, pays for itself)

The sheriff is aware of the above bulleted points. He has educated himself in animal control management and willingly accepted the challenge.

We are optimistic that we (as a community) can rise above the past problems, pull together, and create one of the best animal control facilities in Tennessee. 

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4/07/08 Highlights from the Law Enforcement Sub-Committee Meeting

After a long debate, the committee voted to hand animal control over to the Sheriff's Department. Now, the amendment will go before the whole commission at a later date before the Sheriff will assume control. (We'll notify you once we know the date.) A special thanks to Commissioners Stone, Matthews and Fennell! We appreciate Sheriff Barker's detailed research and time into examining this undertaking.

3/31/08 Highlights from the Law Enforcement Sub-committee Special Meeting

It was unclear why the meeting was called, but it gave some constituents time to present new, unknown information to the committee. Apparently, by the time the county pays an additional manager $30,000 a year to operate the facility and then pay an outside veterinarian to euthanize animals, those combined costs could exceed $170,000 per year. A large percentage of  taxpayers' money (allotted for animal control) this year will go toward euthanasia not productive solutions like spay/neuter programs.

County Commissioner Jerry Stone asked that a recommendation be sent to the Law Enforcement Committee that the county close the current facility and award SPA a charitable contribution to run animal control for one year. "I know there's going to be problems implementing this, but we've got problems already and I'm fairly sure that Gallatin will let them use the land," said Stone. "The county doesn't have any plans for a new animal control facility. All we're talking about is giving someone with experience who wants to do it an opportunity."

Committee members ultimately decided to defer the matter for another week.

(Source Gallatin News Examiner and county records)

The next county commission meeting regarding animal control is scheduled for 4/7/08 at 5pm at the Belvedere County Administration Building.